Light of the World  

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.  Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.   (Matt 5:14-`6)

I looked out of the window tonight as it was getting dark. A beautiful half moon hung in a clear sky.  I watched as it change colour from a pale golden colour to silvery whilte as it climbed higher in the sky.  It reminded me of Genesis:1:14

And God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, (15) and let them be lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. (16) And God made the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; he made the stars also.   (RSV)

Sounds childish, I know, but as I watched the moon get brighter and brighter, I remembered that it reflects the sun.  There is a pendulum effect, as one object rises higher the other drops lower.  At night, especially at this time of year, you can see the moon has no light of its own.

Jesus said to His followers - "You are the light of the world".  He went on to give a parable, (an explanation in simple terms).  The essence of the tale is that hiding a lamp under anything doesn't allow the light to shine or illuminate the space.  The wise person places the lamp in full view probably up high, unobstructed and allowing the light to shine and penetrate into the darkest space.  

As I watched the moon rise I remembered dark winter evenings when I was a child. Moonlit nights were special, especially full noon.  I recalled walking home by the light of the full moon, how bright it was and how it seemed like it was the brightest torch ever made.  

There's a message for those who know Jesus.  Let Him shine His light on you, Reflect His light back into the world.  But remember it's a reflection, you can't add anything to it nor should you try to take anything away otherwise it will be a pale reflection.  

If you want to shine brightly make sure you're in the same room with Jesus, that His light isn't obstructed or obscured.  If He is placed above you as you rise, which is God's plan for you, then Jesus light will shine on you will all it's brightness.  We used to sing a hymn when I was young:...

           Jesus bids us shine with a pure, clear light,            

Like a little candle burning in the night

In this world of darkness so let us shine

You in your small corner, and I in mine.

I'm always surprised when I think of these hymns which, for reasons I don't understand today, were viewed as children's hymns.  The music was simplistic but the words are so profound.  As believers we must come into that place of understanding where we know in our heart, soul and mind that we are shining, reflecting the Glory of our new Master, the Father of the one whose name we claim is above all names - Jesus.  

A light must have a dark space to illuminate.  It must be switched on or it's not a light just something with the potential to bring light.  Jesus bids us shine, that's what the chorus says.  Being bid is equivalent to receiving a command - it's our job to obey.  The command is specific.  Our light must be pure and clear. Purity of light isn't something we talk about in our fellowship meetings or in small groups yet purity in any context is at the heart of our faith.  

Purity allows the clarity to come through.  Faith that is pure has clarity.  It doesn't muddy the waters or cause confusion.  Jesus is the perfect example as were the Prophets.  None of these people brought confusion but it didn't stop the people of their time being confused or offended.  Being pure and having clarity in today's world puts us at odds, we become counter cultural even in the church.  However in the Church Jesus speaks about we are lights, shining in an otherwise clouded and obscured environment.  

Our light should be clearer than those around us who do not know the Lord's ways. Our words should never cause confusion but bring clarity.  As a candle flame flickers so should we.  Sometimes we may shine more bright than at other times, that's natural.  Anything that doesn't reflect nature doesn't reflect the God of Creation or conform to His pattern.  As the candle flame burns only at night when it will be seen more clearly so must we.  

Don't waste your light in the daytime when there is more than enough light from the sun, when night comes you'll have nothing left there will be no wick and no wax or oil, whatever provides the light.  This isn't something you can equate to today with electric lights, we have to see things in the language of the scripture. There was no electricity in Jesus time and light was something you had to take from fire.

Making fire is a skill without matches or lighters.  It takes time and patience, again we see scripture isn't leading us to go racing off into the world without first developing the skills we need.  

So be a light today.  Someone who has taken time to learn the skills necessary for the work God is calling you to do.  When we do this we bring Glory and honour to our God.  We become the people others seek out.  Remember you don't have to draw anyone to your light, they will be drawn to you because you shine more brightly than other lights less pure and less clear.  Everything is drawn to the light because light attracts.

So the message is simple - give your candle time to reach it's full brightness, allow your wick time to burn down a little so that your light can reach its full brightness and allow others to be drawn to your light.  God has made it easy for them and it's our job to do the same.  Purity and clarity will help your light reach further than your own efforts.  God will do the rest.

Shine, Jesus Shine......set our hearts on fire.......  Send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light.